16 Back to School Tips to Make the Whole Year Better

School has started, and you’ve got months of early wake-up times, school lunches, homework, and projects ahead of you and your kids. It can take some time to get into a routine for everyone once summer ends. Here are some things to keep in mind that you may have done for the first day that you should keep doing all year long.

 

 

1. Remind your nervous or shy child that other kids are nervous too.
2. Point out the positives of going back like seeing old friends and making new ones.
3. Focus on the good things that happen during the day like their favorite class or sitting with a friend at lunch.
4. Help your child choose a comfortable backpack that’s easy to carry.
5. Remind them that using both straps will keep their back and shoulders from aching.
6. Pack as lightly as possible, only taking what’s necessary. With older kids, this may mean cleaning out the backpack once a week.
7. Organize their backpack so that the heaviest items are at the bottom.
8. Encourage your child to use their locker if they can and only bring home what’s necessary.
9. If the school allows it, consider buying a rolling backpack for the school year.
10. If they take the bus, make sure they know where the bus stop is, what bus to ride, and what time to be at their stop in the morning.
11. For parents who drop their kids off at the bus stop, give yourself a few extra minutes – especially at the beginning of the school year – in case you run late or the bus runs early.
12. If riding in a car, make sure you’re both comfortable with the driver if it’s not you or your child’s other parent.
13. Remind your child to always wear their seatbelt in the car.
14. Know the pick-up and drop-off times as well as the location of car-riders at the school if you’re driving your children to school.
15. Give yourself plenty of time to get through the car rider lines for the first few weeks. Everyone is learning the new routine, and it will take longer until they do.
16. Make sure bikers and walkers know the route to school, can and will follow all traffic laws, and will listen to crossing guards. You may want to find out where crossing guards will be along the route to school ahead of time.

 

The first day of school is an exciting time every year, even if your kids don’t completely agree. It’s the second week, third month, and around the holidays when everyone starts to wonder if summer will ever get here. If you can establish strong routines now, you and your kids can get through the year a little easier.